Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17020, Thomas Goodridge, Mass

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Goodridge, Thomas Goodrich,
W. 17020
Betsey
CONTENTS

636 New Hampshire
Thomas Goodridge of Chester in the State of NH who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Purley of the Regt commanded by Col. Fry in the War time for 20 months & 15 days the certificate issued in lieu of one dated Feb. 28. 1830 Sent. loan called
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hamp at the rate of 68 Dollars 93 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of May 1834 and sent New Hampshire Keokuk Road House of Reps
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 $170.83 Semi-ann. allowance ending Mar 21 - 34.17 $205.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. H. Johnson Clerk, Book P. Vol. 1st Page 157

1345
New Hampshire Concord Betsey Goodrich
widow of Thomas Goodrich who was a Private Naf in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 68 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of August 1843 and sent to Thos. M. Edwards Keene, N.H.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1, Page 16

Thomas Goodridge Declaration of Westmoreland Cheshire Co. 10. 6. 57 - N. H.

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, COUNTY OF CHESHIRE, ss.
On this Sixth day of August 1832 personally appeared in open Court, Before the Hon. Aaron Matson Judge of probate for said County of Cheshire
now sitting, Thomas Goodridge a resident of Westmoreland in the county of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire aged seventy four years who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. On the 19 th day of April A.D. 1775 he entered the company of minute men under William Pearly of Boxford Massachusetts, marched to Concord Mass. & there joined Col. James Fry's Regiment thence marched to Cambridge and there enlisted as volunteer for the term of eight months on the 20 th of April 1775 in said Pearly's company & Col. Fry's regiment and was in the battle of Bunker Hill 17 th June, served the full period of eight months & at the expiration of which at the urgent request of Genl. Washington & the officers remained in the service six weeks longer, and at the expiration of that time, enlisted again as volunteer in Captain Bolland's company of artificers and served four months , assisted in building barracks & forts at Charlestown & Cambridge & was verbally dismissed. Again, on or about the 7 th of June 1776 volunteered in Capt. Burn's company of New Hampshire Militia Col. oneel Wyman of Keene, Lt. Col. Center, Major Peabody. & marched from Amherst to Keene & Charlestown D.H. thence to Rutland Vermont thence to Three miles point on Lake Champlain, thence to Mount Independence and was there on 10 th January 1777 verbally dismissed while at Tienderoga was in Gen. Stark's Brigade Genl. Gates then commanding - names of other officers of Continental line not now recollected except Cpt. Bille & Maj. Isaac Badger at Mount Independence. Was born in Boxford in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the year A.D. 1758 where he presumes a record of his age may be found - has no other record - lives in Westmoreland D.H. & has lived there for thirty years last part previously lived in Walpole D.H. & Middleton Mass. & B. Boxford -

The said Goodridge knows of no person living by whom he expects to prove any part of the aforesaid services, except Jonathan Robertson Esq. whose affidavit is put in the case - lived in Beaufort at the time when he entered the service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Thomas Goodridge
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
before me Aaron Matson Judge of Probate
We, Nathan G. Babbitt of Westmoreland in the County of Cheshire & State of New Hampshire, & Alexander M. Hill late of St. Westmoreland & now of Keene in said County
hereby certify, that we are acquainted with Thomas Goodridge who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy four years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Nathan Godfrey Babbitt Alexander McKee
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
before me Aaron Matson Judge of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Nathan Godfrey Babbitt of Westmoreland aforesaid and Alexander McKee late a resident of said Westmoreland aforesaid but now of Keene in said County of Cheshire who have signed the foregoing certificate are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Aaron Matson Judge of Probate
I, the undersigned Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Cheshire do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of Thomas Goodridge for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this ninth day of August A.D. 1832 -
Asa Parker { Register of the Court of Probate

Dederston (1328) Betty Goodridge Widow of Thomas N.H. A.L. 7 July 1835 Mar 2 1788 died 1835 Allow d £68.33/6 ann s
A. G. Babbitt Esq. Westmoreland N.H.
8061

State of New Hampshire Cheshire ss. - On the first day of September A.D. 1838 personally ap- peared before me Larkin Baker, asso- ciate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County, Betsey Goodridge a resident of Westmoreland in said County of Cheshire aged seventy six years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows that she is the widow of Thomas Goodridge late of said Westmoreland deceased who was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution, and who received a pension under the act of Congress passed July 7 th A.D. 1832 - for the proof of whose service reference may be had to the War De- partment she not being personally acquaint- ed with the facts at the time the services were rendered - She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Good- ridge at Middleton Mts. on the 3 day of November (A.D. 1788) in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & eighty eight. That her husband the said Thomas Goodridge died at said Westmoreland, on the 21 st day of July A.D. 1805 - That she was not married to him

prior to his leaving the Service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred & ninety four to wit at the time above stated Do she further say that she has not since been married —
Betsey Goodridge
Sworn to and subscribed on the 2nd 1 st year above written
Before Larkin Baker Associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas.
The above declaration was made in the town of Westmoreland at the residence of the said applicant. And I certify that the said Betsey Goodridge in my opinion, cannot from bodily infirmity attend court
Larkin Baker Associate judge

State of New Hampshire Cheshire County ss.
I Henry Coolidge Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the County of Cheshire certify that Sabin Bicknell was on the first day of September inst. and still is an Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cheshire duly commissioned and sworn, and that his name within written is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Keene this fourth day of September A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty eight
H. Coolidge Clerk

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
ESSEX, ss.
I, JOHN PRINCE, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Essex, do certify, that
Daniel Fuller Esq r of Middleton is a Justice of the Peace
within and for said County, and that his signature hereon is genuine.
WITNESS MY HAND, and the Seal of said Court of Common Pleas, at Salem this 29 th day of August — A. D. 1838
John Prince Clerk.

I Ephraim Fuller of Middleton in Massachusetts on oath testify That I am Town Clerk of Middleton and have the custody of the Records of it, and that it appears therefrom that Thomas Goodridge and Betsy Swinerton were lawfully married on the third day of November in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty Eight: and the above is a true transcript of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed thereon in fair legible figures as follows, " Nov. 3d 1788. "
Attest Ephraim Fuller Town Clerk of Middleton
State of Massachusetts Essex ss: Aug. 28. 1838 Sworn to before
Daniel Fuller Just Peace

10.437
Thomas Goodridge
Peach
13 Month & 14 day
7 — 3
Adm 20 mo 15 day
Ans: H. Hubbard
DR
43, 33 1, 11
44 99 33 66
W. Edwards
Reene
M. H.

BRIEF in the case of Thomas Goodridge of Westmoreland in the State of New Hampshire (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? Seventy four years.  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. As a Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 1775 apt 19 — 4 8 6 weeks, 6 days — Gen. Capt. Peasey, Col. Fry.   1776 June 73 — 4 — — Capt. Pollard.   to 10 Jan'y 1777 — — — — Capt. Burn, Col. Weymouth Lt. Col. Cones, Major Peasey    a Roll of Service
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Bunker Hill.  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Boxford.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? two persons testify to traditional evidence for Robinson a long contract from 8 mo 1775. He also that he was in service in 1776. don't know how long. - for Stacey also from 8 mo 1775  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
* No roll of Capt Peasey Co. yet, known that he served in 1775.  D. Kins Examining Clerk.

6361
New Hampshire
Thomas Goodridge
of Keene in the State of NH who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Peabody of the Regt commanded by Col. Dyer in the Mass Militia line for 14 days and 12 days
allow 20 mos 145 days $68.33
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire at the rate of 44 Dollars 11 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Feb 1833 and Mrs. M. M. Edwa
Arrears to 14th of Sep 1832 46 99 Semi-ann. allowance ending 1 March 1833 22 33
Wm A. Nuttall 89.32
Y of R 3 { Revolutionary Claim, Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by H. B. Sylvester Clerk, Book 22 Vol. Page 157

1101 Concord N. Hampshire
Betsey Goodridge widow of Thomas Goodridge
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 21 st July 1835 of Co. Cheshire in the State of N.H. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Peasey of the 1 st Regt. commanded by Col. Frazar in the N.H. Militia line for 20 months & 15 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord N.H. at the rate of 68 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 14 th day of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of Nov. 1838 and Rent N.H. Babbitt Walmoreland N.H.
Arrears to the 14 th of Sept. 1838 $170.82 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar. 39, 34.16
$204.98
{ Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded by Al. A. Adkins Clerk Book A Vol. 156 Page 41

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17020
Betsey Goodrich
widow of
Thomas Goodrich
Phir. Rev. War
Act: March 3. 1843
Index:—Vol. A , Page 281
[Arrangement of 1870.]

James Stevens Affidavit
for T. Goodridge

I James Stevens of Goffrey in the County of Cheshire & State of New Hampshire aged seventy three years, depose and say. That in 1775 I served in Capt. Farnum's Company in Col. Froy's Regt. of Mass. Militia in the Revolutionary war, for eight months - and afterwards served three months or more longer, and the last part of the time served as an artificer or carpenter, and served in Cambridge and that vicinity - That Thomas Goodridge then of Boston Mass. but now of Westmoreland County of Cheshire and state of New Hampshire, served the whole time in said Froy's Regiment but I do not recollect in whose company - I further say that I was well acquainted with said Goodridge and know that he served as above stated - James Stevens
State of New Hampshire Cheshire County So
Be it remembered that on the fourteenth day of August 1832. Before me John Parker a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared the before named James Stevens and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth, and nothing

but the truth — and I hereby certify that the said James Stevens is well known to me and is a credible witness — Sworn & subscribed Before me Asa Parker Justice of Peace
Cherkins. August 17, 1832.
I Solina Hale, Clerk of the Judicial Courts in said county certify that Asa Parker is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and that the foregoing is his signature. In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of our Superior Court of Judicature.
S. Hale Clerk

I Jonathan Robinson of Surry in the County of Cheshire & State of New Hampshire, aged 79 do make oath & say that I was acquainted with Thomas Goodridge of Westmoreland St. an applicant for a pension, whom I have this day seen, in 1775 in the month of April he enlisted in the company of Capt. William Peary of Boscawen Mass. in Col. James Fry's Regiment & served eight months as a soldier. I was during the eight months a soldier doing service in the same Regiment & was acquainted with S d Goodridge and further testify & say that that I was well knowing that said Goodridge served in a company of artificers engaged in building forts & barracks at Cambridge & Charlestown Mass. in the spring of the year 1776 how long I cannot recollect but know of his being there about the 20 th of March in that year & had been for some months previous. The name of the Captain of the Company of Artificers I do not now remember.
Jonathan Robinson
State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County ss. August 9 th A D 1832.
Subscribed & sworn to
Before me Nathan G. Babbitt Justice of the peace.
I certify that the said Jonathan Robinson is a credible witness
N. G. Babbitt Jus. Peace

Churkin p. Sept 10. 1832
I Salma Hale, clerk of the Judicial Court in and county, certify that Nathan G. Babbitt is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, and that the two foregoing signatures are his. In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of our Superior Court of Indiana
S. Hale, Clerk
Case of Thomas G. Govee vs. Robinson's affidavit

1472
Betsey Goodrich
1 year
Please return to Thos M c Adams St. Louis Mo
$68.33 per ann

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7, 1838.
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, } Grafton COUNTY, ss. }
On this Twentieth day of March 1843 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Grafton and State of New-Hampshire, Betsy Goodrich a resident of Wilmot in the County of Grafton and State of New-Hampshire, aged Eighty years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Thomas Goodrich who was a soldier in the Revolution and a pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832 - at the rate of $68.33 p annum - and lived & died at said Wilmot - That she was a pensioner under the act of July 7, 1838 - at the rate of $68.33 - and was paid at Concord New Hampshire
That she is still the widow of said Thomas Goodrich - Betsy Goodridge
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, Witness.
Before me,
Nathan G. Babbitt Justice of the Peace. Betsy Goodridge Eliza Goodridge

We Doro Goodridge and Sophronia Goodridge of Westmoreland in the County of Cheshire the County of lawful age depose and say that we were acquainted with Thomas Goodrich late of said Westmoreland deceased - That he was a Revolutionary pensioner - That we are acquainted with Betsey Goodrich his widow now living - That she was a pensioner under the act of July 7. 1838 - and is still the widow of said Thomas. — Doro Goodridge Sophronia Goodridge
Cheshire ss - March 20 th 1843. Sworn & subscribed by the above deponents, known to me as credible persons before me - Nathan G. Babbott J. P.
State of New Hampshire
Cheshire ss
I Leonard Resio Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Cheshire, it being a Court of Record. certify that Nathan G. Babbott is one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Cheshire - and that his signature as within written are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of said Court of Common Pleas this 23 rd day of May A.D. 1843
Leonard Resio. Clerk

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Thomas Goodridge which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? My II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? My III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? _____ IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? My V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? My VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? My VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? My VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? My IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? My X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? My

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? no
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? no
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? annexed
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service; and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
†QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

10-6361
Private -
$44.11
Feb 28.
Capt. Merlys Co Col. Freys Regt. Westmoreland 30 yrs Bryford Mass
Thomas Goodridge Westmoreland Payments to be made at Portsmouth N.H. by Rev. W. S. A. Bank Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of N.H.
Recorded by W. H. Sylvester Clerk, in Book D Vol. 1 page 157

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, Thomas Goodridge of the State of New Hampshire, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Twenty four dollars and sixty six cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Twenty eighth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three
Lewis Cass Secretary of War.
L. Gov.
J. L. Edwards